MH370: Malaysia finally says mystery jet crash an accident

Daughter Michelle Gomes (L) and wife Jacquita Gonzales of in-flight supervisor Patrick Francis Gomes, who was aboard the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, comfort each other at their home in Kuala Lumpur.

Andrew Marszal
© Telegraph Media Group Limited

Malaysia's government has released a statement formally declaring the crash of missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 an accident and its passengers "presumed dead", clearing the way for families to finally seek compensation payments.

Ten months after the Beijing-bound flight disappeared en route from Kuala Lumpur - in what remains one of history's great aviation mysteries - the statement will finally pave the way for Malaysia Airlines to make insurance claims.